Vienna’s sausage stands, or Würstelstände, have been added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, City Hall announced on Wednesday.
The inclusion recognises the stands themselves, along with their unique atmosphere, food and distinctive vocabulary. Terms such as “Haaße” (sausages), “Krokodü” (pickled or gourmet gherkins) and “Oaschpfeiferl” (spicy pepperoni) are now officially part of Vienna’s cultural lexicon.
In a statement, the City of Vienna highlighted the stands’ cultural significance: “This unique institution now joins the ranks of Vienna’s café and wine tavern culture, highlighting the importance of sausage stalls as places of encounter, culinary diversity, and Viennese way of life,” it said.
“The Wiener Würstelstand is not only a place for culinary delights but also a living symbol of Viennese culture,” Mayor Michael Ludwig added. “Its recognition as intangible cultural heritage honours the tradition, hospitality, and diversity of our city.”
A Historical Tradition
The history of Vienna’s sausage stands dates back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when mobile food stalls provided veterans with a source of income. The practice evolved in 1969 when permanent locations were approved, marking the beginning of the sausage stand’s central role in shaping the everyday life of the city.
The tradition continues today, with locals and tourists alike enjoying a quick bite at famous spots such as Bitzinger’s next to the Albertina museum and State Opera. Sausage stalls are not just culinary landmarks but also serve as places where social barriers fade.
The city’s oldest surviving stand is “Würstelstand Leo”, which opened in 1928 on the Döblinger Gürtel.
